hungrymungry's Profile

Good to know. Now I think we're leaning back towards Alkimia. Thanks again for your advice. I noticed on Alkimia's website that they also offer two tasting menus. I assume you had the 'traditional menu' since it's shorter than 'menu Alkimia.' Traditional would seem to imply that it's less experimental. I wonder if the longer tasting menu's offerings are more molecular.

This is very helpful. What would you consider a 'molecular' meal in Barcelona? Needless to say, we would have loved to go to El Bulli but it's closed when we'll be in Spain and I'm sure we wouldn't have been able to get a reservation anyway. I think Comerc24 might be considered more 'molecular' but I ultimately rejected it because my impression is that it can be kind of hit or miss, and we want to make sure that our 'splurge' meal in Barcelona is guaranteed to be worth it. We likewise rejected Alkimia in the end (although it was our second choice) because I got the impression that Cinc Sentits is slightly more consistent. We are adventurous eaters, but quality still trumps experimentalism for us. But we could easily be persuaded to change our minds if you think Alkimia (or some other restaurant) is a better choice. What would you recommend?

We want to make sure to experience molecular gastronomy while we're in Barcelona in May, and we've been perusing all of the extremely useful posts on Cinc Sentits, Alkimia, Comerc24, etc. It took us a long time to choose out of those three, but with Chowhound's help we've decided to go to Cinc Sentits. I wish we could go to all three, but our wallets won't allow it. We are now debating between the eight course Sensacions tasting menu (with 'signature' dishes) for €69 or the six course Essencia tasting menu for €49. I would really appreciate any guidance. The dollar/euro exchange rate means that we're really looking at something like $100pp versus $75pp, and that's just for food. This is a significant expenditure for budget foodies like ourselves. So here are my questions:

1. How significant is the difference between these menus? We have smaller than average appetites, so I'm not worried about not being full with the six course version. I'm more concerned about missing out on the true molecular food experience since I guess this menu doesn't include the 'signature' dishes, whatever that means.

2. How important is the wine pairing to the experience? The Sensacions menu comes with a standard wine pairing at an extra €30pp, or an even more expensive wine pairing at €50pp. We would like to do the wine pairing in theory, but could live without it in order to save that extra 100 bucks or so. The Essencia menu doesn't come with a wine pairing. If we don't do a wine pairing, we'll probably get a reasonably priced glass of wine each and be perfectly happy.

3. They also have a lunch menu for €30. I assume one will not get a sufficient impression of Cinc Sentits from this menu, but on the other hand it's a lot less expensive. Any thoughts about lunch there?

I'm from the South too, and I'm something of a bbq nut. Wherever I live I always try to find the best bbq in the area. Needless to say, quality varies from place to place, but when I first moved to LA I was optimistic due to the large African-American population and the sheer number of bbq joints in town. I've travelled around LA for bbq quite a bit, often dragging other southerners with me, as well as native 'cue fans. So far, I'm sad to report, I have not found any bbq in LA, or anywhere else in California for that matter, that even rivals the above-average places in the southeast. Of course this is a matter of taste (ahem), and bbq judging is particularly controversial, so you might find otherwise. But in my opinion you are best off not hoping for the best 'cue you've ever had no matter what recommendations you follow on this post. That said, there are several places that will make even a serious bbq lover happy.

Starting with the most ridiculous, Dr. Hogly-Wogly in Van Nuys will seduce you with its incredibly delicious smell as soon as you reach the parking lot. They say they are Texas style, but I think that only refers to the size of the portions, which are outrageous. The sauce is very sweet and very addictive, and while the meat is just okay, the sauce and general vibe of the place more than make up for it. I definitely recommend going here with a group of friends. It's fun.

Junior's in Culver City is a small, family run place that has tasty ribs and fun Southern deserts like 7-up Cake. The owner is a really nice guy who loves a good joke - when I ordered an Arnold Palmer once he insisted I call it a Tiger Woods. I definitely recommend this place for a quick stop after work, but don't make a destination out of it, it's good enough but not worth a lot of planning.

The best bbq I've had in LA proper is at the aforementioned Mom's. It's also family run, and the service is excellent. They are from Louisiana, so expect a lot of sweet sauce on their ribs as well (though not as sweet as Hogly Wogly). Their cakes are very simple but delicious, as is their cobbler, which is served the proper way in a styrofoam cup. They also have very good fried chicken and the best homemade lemonade I've had in LA (not too sweet, thank you). The restaurant is tiny, so it's not great for huge groups, though I've been there with 6 people before and it was fine. I brought an entire family of Louisiana foodies in there and they all raved about it, so don't listen to any of the haters on this board - you will find someone who doesn't like every single restaurant on Chowhound, believe me (except maybe Urusawa). Again, this place is not going to impress anyone from central Texas, but I guarantee a smile at the end of your meal.

I'm from the south and kind of a bbq fanatic, but my focus is really always on the food. The only places I've been to in LA that wouldn't be an embarassment elsewhere are both sit-down joints but they have no atmosphere:

The thing is, none of the above really satisfies what you seem to be asking for, which is a bbq place that has "great music" and a "vibe." Those kind of joints are all over the South (and presumably Texas), but unfortunately, when it comes to LA 'cue, there seems to be an inverse relationship between atmosphere and food.

If music and vibe are really as important as the quality of the bbq, you need to drive a couple of hours east to Pappy and Harriet's in Joshua Tree. They make delicious barbecue among other things on an open-air grill in the desert. They have live bands every night, along with actual cowboys, bikers, uninhibited women and assorted drunks to provide entertainment. You can stumble past the horses to the Pioneertown Motel across the street and crash when you're done. I'm telling you, it's some kind of paradise:

If you like the way Nicky D's used to be, try Il Cappriccio. Best I've had on the East side besides La Buca, and I'm a pizza snob. (Haven't been to Mozza yet, but I don't think they're delivering any time soon).

The trick with Agra is to order one of the Balti dishes. The other stuff is mediocre, but the Balti dishes all have a rich, complex sauce that you don't find very often. And if you want Indian delivery in the area, they are it.

The burger at Bowery Bar on Sunset in Hollywood (near the Arclight) is fantastic. So are the sweet potato fries, and so are the drinks. In fact, a burger, sweet potato fries, and a gin and tonic at Bower Bar is one of my favorite meals in LA, and I'm a big snob about all three.

I was very happy to read this reply. The Griffith Park Golf Course is right up the street from my house, and as stated, any true conniseur of Buffalo Wings is also irresponsible and lazy. I will take you up on the suggestion and report back post-haste.

The title of this post, sadly, is absolutely correct. It's baffling, but the fact is, there are no great wings in CA.

I live around the corner from Ye Rustic Inn. They have good bar food, and the wings are definitely the best in the Silver Lake/Los Feliz area. But that's not saying much.

Been to Hoagies n' Wings, Hot Wings Cafe and a hundred other wing joints since I moved here four years ago. I've come to the sad conclusion that wings here are like pizza. Even the best can't compare to New York, or Philly, or even Boston.

In fact, on a recent trip to Boca Raton to visit the parents, my girlfriend and I found both wings (Chez Porky's, Mississipi Sweets) and pizza (Coal Mine) that absolutely destroyed anything we've found in all of LA county. That's BOCA RATON FLORIDA, folks. Not a hot culinary destination unless your passion is early-bird specials.

It makes me sad. It also makes no sense. LA has outstanding food and an enormous working-class population. People here love beer and sports. A truly great wing joint in Hollywood would have lines down the block. A truly great pizza joint would spark a new set of riots.

I would open a place myself but I have no money and I'm irresponsible. That's why I love wings and pizza, and can say with absolute authority that California is way behind in both departments.

On a side note - the bleu cheese/ranch issue is ridiculous. A lot of people think bleu cheese is disgusting, myself included. Even great wing joints typically only use bottled bleu cheese or ranch anyway. It's the buffalo sauce that counts.

In fact, while we're at it, the whole issue of "authenticity" is ridiculous when it comes to bar food like Buffalo wings. The point is not to make them taste like they're from upstate New York, the point is to make them taste good. I've had far better wings in southern restaurants, and even southern-style restaurants in New York, than anywhere else. Never been to Buffalo, but if the wings at Ye Rustic are authentic Buffalo wings, I can officially cross Buffalo off of my list, as I previously had no other reason to go there.

I'm a South Florida native and I've been gone for a while. What's the best place for bbq these days? I'm staying in Boca Raton, but I will also be in Miami Beach and I'm willing to drive a long way for good 'cue.